When to Complain: How I Got This Coupon

Have you ever purchased a favorite product only to realize that there was something wrong with it? Have you ever done something about it? If not, you should. I have gotten countless FREE products from a simple phone call to the company. There is usually a toll free phone number right on the packaging of most products. Now think about it; this is something you have purchased before and probably will purchase again, right? Most companies will reward your loyalty and thank you for pointing out a production error with a coupon for a FREE something from them.

Here are a few that I have gotten and why:

M&M's -- Candy-coated lump of petrified sugar in my bag (almost chipped a tooth) -- 3 FREE large bags

Coke -- 1 can was "soft" before opening -- 1 FREE 12pk.

Capri Sun -- 1 pouch had a hole in it and had leaked all over entire box -- 1 FREE 10pk.

Frito-Lay -- 1 bag in multi-pack was not sealed properly -- 3 FREE multi-pks.

Toilet Paper -- Not perforated on entire roll -- 1 FREE pk.

Bar-S hotdogs -- Only 7 in an 8pk. -- $11 in Qs

Baby gear -- Safety strap not up to standards -- Refund check

I am not a big complainer mind you, but when you come to trust the quality and standards of a product you expect it.

When you call the company, they will usually ask you for certain information about the defective product. They will also ask for some information off of the packaging or the original container (example: can of Coke and box it came in). I suggest you keep these items in a safe place until you receive a letter from the company. I usually receive a letter from a company within about 4 weeks, but it can take longer. In some instances, the company will ask you to send them the defective product (M&M sent me a mailer to send the "rock" to them for analysis and the baby gear was requested back as well. They even sent a parcel service to my home for pickup).

If you are completely satisfied with a product but wish you could pay less for it, another option is to call the company and express your satisfaction and loyalty to them and simply request some coupons. It may not work, but if it does you and the company will both benefit.